Getting older does not translate into getting smarter ! My last time playing here in April 2017, I indicated that I had not played here prior to that... » More

Getting older does not translate into getting smarter ! My last time playing here in April 2017, I indicated that I had not played here prior to that since 1984, and it would probably be another 33 years until I returned. I should have taken my own advice. Where to begin ?

When I called to make the first time out last Thursday and inquired about rates, the guy in the shop mentioned if I go on line I could secure a better rate through groupon or similar, so that's what I did. Arrived early for my 6:00am tee time, but of course they were late to open and then advised they were no longer accepting groupons effective 7/1/20. (After I'd called the shop? So paid the full rake rate. (Another mistake by me)

The front nine was totally fogged in, zero visibility. Not 25 yards. For those of you who may have played here understand that even in the best conditions, the site lines are very questionable. As for the course, it is a mess. Just so scruffy and ill-kept. While greens in all fairness were decent, by far the best part of the course, the rest of the course was awful. There is not even a pretense of trying to maintain the bunkers. Cart paths are a series of broken concrete adjacent to bare dirt areas with huge holes. As for the rough, it was a mix of dirt, stones, 6 inch tall grass, and so on.

Needless to say this was not the best golf experience I have known. This time I swear it will be at least 33 more years until I return, because by then, being well over 100 years old, what mental faculties I may still retain, I suspect will be insufficient for me to make sound life choices.
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Out early on a gray overcast morning. Easy check in - staff always friendly and accommodating. Rarely ever have a problem getting out here. Not much ... » More

Out early on a gray overcast morning. Easy check in - staff always friendly and accommodating. Rarely ever have a problem getting out here. Not much has changed since my last time where, except the greens were much quicker now than before. Fairways good with plenty of coverage. Rough was a mixed bag, some thick, some less than an inch. Bunkers were maintained which was nice as I found several.

San Clemente is just such a nice walk. A low stress layout with the exception of hole # 16, which demands a really good tee shot and second shot. Also enjoy the fact that a lot of seniors play here and there are numerous walkers, so getting paired up with "like kind" golfers is a plus. Great place to play on these days where the temperatures soar.
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6:00am tee time (second group off) Teeing off in rather heavy fog starting on #10. Our walking threesome waited every shot behind 4 guys riding, unti... » More

6:00am tee time (second group off) Teeing off in rather heavy fog starting on #10. Our walking threesome waited every shot behind 4 guys riding, until we asked if we could please play though on #14, which thankfully they allowed us to do so. By the time we reached #18 green we were already two holes ahead and probably 4-5 holes in front by the time we finished our round. (Why do players who play so slowly insist on being first off in the morning?

Had not played Montebello for a while, so was happy to return. The greens were the best part of the course by far. Fairways were also very good, although rather "thick" so not much roll. The rough at times was brutal, U S Open length in places and easy to lose your ball. Bunkers were poor at best. Little to no sand, which creates a whole new challenge around the greens.

Overall it was a fun round. Staff was fantastic. Friendly and very accommodating. Well priced walking senior rate. But for the heavy fog for the first 7 holes, it was a great day.
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Finally able to get back out on the North Course! After being closed for almost three months and spending one million dollars for improvements, was i... » More

Finally able to get back out on the North Course! After being closed for almost three months and spending one million dollars for improvements, was it worth it ? Let's just say that I hope they don't do this on the South Course.

As expected, conditions are pretty good. Greens were much slower than normal, but since I did not have any cut greens, not fair to be too critical. The "surrounds" around the greens which were the focus of the renovation have really not fully grown in, so I was not thrilled with their playability. Maybe time will fix that? Otherwise the fairways was full & lush, tee boxes still need some attention of a couple holes, but mostly very good. Bunkers could be great, but since I get out before maintenance and none are raked, it all depends where your ball ends up.

Nice to have two courses again, for however long that lasts.
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A very rare mid afternoon round for me, as I almost always play first thing in the morning. Not used to playing in the heat, and definitely not used t... » More

A very rare mid afternoon round for me, as I almost always play first thing in the morning. Not used to playing in the heat, and definitely not used to playing in 4 1/2 + hours. On the plus side, it was a plus to get some roll out which is not typical in the early morning wet fairways, plus the ball does travel further in the hot weather, that said, I think I'll stick with the early AM golf.

Course conditions are pretty much what weber2323 covered in his review. Greens rolled well, quicker than expected, but still receptive. This place is always in great shape, which is probably why they can command the price. I remember when the Goose was the least expensive in this area, but I guess because of the course quality and conditioning, it can be expected. Hard not to love playing here at what ever they charge.
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